PLANS to improve roads and pedestrian routes in the Lake District have been criticised by locals who claim tourists are getting priority.

Cumbria County Council is coming to the end of a consultation period for a scheme which will see the installation of crossing points, widening of footpaths and changing of road surfaces in four Lakes locations.

But despite the project's objective to 'improve the public highway to benefit both visitors and the local community', residents in Grasmere say the work is being done in the wrong place.

District and parish councillor Vivienne Rees was among those protesting the plans at a drop-in session at Grasmere Village Hall on Monday (April 13), where the authority was exhibiting its proposals for Town End on the A591.

"Everybody agrees that the real problem is the north end of Grasmere where you take your life in your hands crossing the road," she told the Gazette. "Speed is one of the biggest problems here and the roads aren't suitable for it. The visibility is poor if you're walking or driving and turning onto the A591."

She added that parents were unable to let their children walk to school and instead were having to take them themselves on foot or by car - particularly from the Benfield estate.

Upgrades in the Town End area of Grasmere near Dove Cottage, include changing the colour to road surfaces and removing the centre lining.

Cllr Rees condemned these as 'unnecessary', adding: "The priority is for tourists and it's completely unfair.

"They didn't examine the real problem before they came up with the solution and they are not listening to the experience and the expertise of people here."

Working in partnership with the Lake District National Park Authority and South Lakeland District Council, the Optimising Connectivity project is using a £2 million Growth Deal to enhance areas on the A592 at Brockhole and Low Wood Bay and on The Glebe, in Bowness.

A CCC spokesperson said: "We welcome people's comments and encourage as many people as possible to give us their views so we can take them into account when finalising improvement schemes for these sites."

The consultation began on April 1 and ends on Monday (April 21).

Visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/optimisingconnectivity for more information.